The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, as the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo appeals for prayers for his safe return.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Otache, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state, saying investigations are underway to secure his release.
Otache, who serves as the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, was reportedly abducted on Tuesday, October 13, while returning home from Otukpo.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia, confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi, stating that the command had commenced a full investigation and was making efforts to rescue the priest.
The police have not publicly disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the abduction or whether contact has been established with the suspected kidnappers.
Rev. Fr. John Otache,
In a separate statement, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo disclosed that Otache was seized along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area while travelling back from Otukpo.
The statement was signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, who conveyed the concern of the Catholic community over the incident.
According to the diocese, the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the priest’s abduction.
The diocese appealed to priests, members of religious communities, lay faithful and other well-meaning individuals to pray for Otache’s safe and speedy release.
It also called for prayers for other people being held by kidnappers across Nigeria, expressing hope that they would return safely to their families.
Previous abductions in Otukpo Diocese
The latest incident has drawn attention to previous abductions involving members of the Catholic community in Benue State.
In July 2026, seminarian Kelvin Ochai was reported abducted from the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo in Asa III, Otukpo town.
The diocese subsequently announced that Ochai had escaped from his captors on July 31 and made his way to Aliade in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he was reunited with his family unharmed.
Another priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Adikwu, who served at St. Margaret’s Parish in Ajegbe-Awume, was abducted by gunmen in June 2023.
Contemporary reports said armed men invaded the parish premises and took Adikwu away. The priest was subsequently rescued and regained his freedom after approximately six days in captivity, following efforts by security operatives.
The recurrence of abduction incidents involving clergy and other members of the Catholic community has renewed concern over the safety of religious personnel and travellers in parts of the state.
However, details of the latest incident remain limited, and no connection between the separate abductions has been established publicly.
Police investigation underway
With Otache’s whereabouts still a key concern, attention is focused on the police investigation and efforts to secure his release.
The command has confirmed that it is working on the case, while the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo has urged the faithful and the wider public to support the effort through prayers.
The police have not announced any arrests or provided a timeline for the priest’s rescue.
The diocese’s appeal also extends to other Nigerians being held by kidnappers, underscoring the wider concern over abductions and the continuing distress faced by families awaiting the return of loved ones.
For now, the immediate priority remains the safe return of Otache as security operatives investigate the circumstances of his abduction.
